- More than 50,000 people follow the Islamic faith in Western Australia
- Ramadan marked with charitable activities and community dinners
Western Australian Muslims will this month join hundreds of millions around the world in observing Ramadan, one of the most important times on the Islamic calendar.
For more than 50,000 Muslim Western Australians, Ramadan is the most altruistic month of the year, the month for focusing attention on helping others, and a time that strengthens family ties and community connections.
For the individual, Ramadan is a month of contemplation, discipline and self-reflection with the hope for personal transformation and spiritual growth.
During the next month, the Muslim community will open its doors to invite people to experience and enjoy Islamic traditions, such as Iftar dinners - the evening meal that marks the break in fasting during Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days and begins on the first day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (subject to sighting of the new crescent moon). Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous three-day celebration with friends, family and the community.
More information about Ramadan and Eid events can be found at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:
"The annual observance of Ramadan demonstrates that we all share the same fundamental values, whatever faith we follow, and from whatever country or background we originate from.
"On behalf of the McGowan Government, I would like to wish all Western Australian Muslims a peaceful Ramadan."
Minister's office - 6552 5600
